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Hereford calf nursing from mother cow.

Updated Guidelines for Monitoring Colostrum Consumption and Antibody Transfer in Calves

Dairy and beef producers have long understood the importance of colostrum for the short- and long-term health of their calves. Calf health experts have determined the minimum level of serum protein to categorize a calf as having received sufficient colostrum.

Group of mixed feedlot cattle resting in straw bedding during winter weather.

Strategic Feedlot Bedding

Providing bedding is one of the time-tested strategies for dealing with winter weather. But how does bedding affect the bottom-line?

A woman riding a bike on a green hill. A bright blue sky with patchy white clouds is in the background.

Takeaways From the New 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

Recently, the second edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans were released. So what is new in the guidelines? Here are some of the key takeaways from the updated guidelines.

A backup generator outside a swine facility.

Test Emergency Backup Systems in the New Year

Animal care starts with having confidence in facilities and ventilation systems that safeguard health in all weather conditions. Testing emergency backup equipment at the start of a new year is a good preventative practice.

A group of red angus cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

a windmill in front of a sunset

Farming Strategies for the Future

There was a time in agriculture when greater yields always meant greater profitability. Today’s economic environment is characterized by high input costs and depressed commodity prices. Under this scenario when the optimum input/output relationship has been attained, more inputs do not necessarily result in greater returns on investment. Therefore, todays’ agriculture paradigm requires management that addresses production “optimization”. This is the point where a previously known level of inputs maximizes outputs before incurring into greater investments that result into diminishing returns.

Cover page of the USDA publication, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include dietary recommendations for all life stages, from birth to older adulthood, along with pregnant and lactating women.

Three green plants that showcase A) waterhemp, B) redroot pigweed, and C) common lambsquarter.

Weeds Have Started to Flower!

Early-flowering waterhemp, redroot pigweed, and common lambsquarters show the importance of early weed control, as they can produce seeds before a delayed postemergence herbicide application.

Mother cow licking newborn calf in a pasture.

Calving Distribution Affects Herd Health

When the calving season is consolidated, nutritional requirements are more synchronous across the herd, and these benefits extend beyond improved feed management.

Two men hold a plaque for honorary Master Pork Producer

2025 Master Pork Producers announced

February 23, 2026

Four South Dakota pork producers were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the state’s swine industry.